Kasper Schmeichel has made a bright impact since joining Celtic this summer and reuniting with Brendan Rodgers after their successful relationship at Leicester City.
Truthfully, the Denmark international hasn’t had a lot to do with his hands since moving to Glasgow. However, his distribution has been impressive and allowed the Bhoys a platform to progress play through the thirds.
His move to Celtic came about in swift fashion earlier in the window. Initially, the veteran stopper has a contract that runs until next summer with a clause to extend by a further year should it suit all parties.
The Daily Mail reported that Nottingham Forest were keen on Schmeichel in January. Meanwhile, outlets in Denmark had Wolverhampton Wanderers as suitors for his signature back in July.
Nevertheless, he has now found a home where he is cherished at Celtic. Touching on Premier League interest in his services, the Copenhagen-born man has opened up on why he opted to head north of the border.
Kasper Schmeichel on what sold him on moving to Celtic
Speaking to Tipsbladet, Schmeichel has revealed that the pressure of competing for trophies he experienced at Anderlecht drew him towards a move to Celtic despite admitting Premier League clubs were also sniffing around this summer.
He explained: “It’s true that there was a lot of interest from the English Premier League, and it’s always a pat on the back with interest from clubs from such a big league, but I have to be honest and say that it wasn’t about clubs right at the top of the English table.”
Later, he added: “I was reminded in Anderlecht how great it is to play for a championship when we lifted the old big club from 11th place last season to compete for the championship until the last round of matches, just like I tried to do successfully at Leicester.
“It’s just my thing. At a top club like Celtic, who are always chasing trophies, there’s a lot at stake in every game, and I love the requirement that you go out there every time to win.”
Schmeichel has the right attitude to succeed at Celtic
Football is about winning trophies, at least at Celtic anyway. Schmeichel appears to understand that pressure and values the challenge more than plying his trade at the other end of the table elsewhere, which is a testament to his character.
At 37, there is a chance he wouldn’t have been a number-one goalkeeper in the Premier League. Financially, you would imagine some tempting options were on the table for him, but he is keen to continue proving himself as a preferred choice between the sticks.
So far, Schmeichel has passed his opening outings at Celtic with flying colours. Nevertheless, he will be aware the real tests are yet to come as the Bhoys look to fight on all fronts for success.
Hopefully, the veteran can lead the way by utilising all of his experience over the coming months.
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